I've been trolling craiglist for months in search of a wingback chair for my living room. I had just about given up when I came across the most perfect set of two wingbacks plus an ottoman. It wasn't until the next day that I discovered I have something in common with Emily Henderson…
A couple of days after I had made the trek out to the suburbs to purchase two dark blue velvet chairs from a craigslist ad, I stumbled upon the photo of Emily Henderson's identical chair. In my mind, this made my new acquisition even better!
Now, about my chairs … I am so excited to have finally found exactly what I was looking for - a quality, comfortable wing back chair that's in a condition that is at least livable. After seeing nasty chair after hideous, stained chair on craiglist, I had practically given up hope and was starting to think I'd have to start saving up for a brand new chair. And then kismet. My husband and I were actually about to head out to see a movie when I did a quick search on craigslist for wingback chairs and found an ad for two dark blue velvet wingbacks and an ottoman for $200. And the best part? Because these chairs came from a house in the suburbs, where folks have more than a few hundred square feet to work with, this set had been in the owner's "front room", where they were rarely used. So I've actually ended up with chairs that are more than just livable — they're in excellent condition!
The seller wasn't willing to split up the set so I came home with all three pieces, expecting that I would resell one of the chairs and perhaps the ottoman, too. Now that I have them in my apartment, however, I've decided to make room for the second chair. (OK, so the fact that I saw that Emily Henderson, one of my style inspirations, had blogged about a similar chair, also helped me decide to keep the extra.)
Images: Emily Henderson via Deliciously Organized and Jason Loper
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I'm a CL troller too, and in the last month have purchased an awesome bamboo-trimmed three-drawer chest/dresser for $15 for our guest room, and a three-piece rattan sofa with original bark-cloth upholstered cushions for $25 for our lanai. I had been looking for each for about 4 months. Lesson learned? Be tenacious and patient, and it will come to you.
i have been looking for wing chairs on CL forever too, i came across one im contemplating, although if you do that for too long it will be gone as we all know... its a little eclectic for my style maybe, but thought maybe it could evolve my rooms style since its sort of a mishmash anyway? Check it out
http://nh.craigslist.org/fud/2505516936.html
stacyg-
pounce! that is an awesome wingback chair and it'll add charector.
you had me at Blue Velvet
I wish I lived in a city with where Craigslist was more promising. Unfortunately, I all ever come across are the same generic pieces of Rooms-To-Go furniture.
What a score! Congrats Jason.
wow!! What a great deal!!
Those are beautiful blue chairs. I would make room for the extra too. Love the peacock chair stacyg. Everyone would fight over who gets to sit in it.
Had to share my Craigslist triumph... a solid oak double dresser in great shape for $20!! Yes, it took patience.
By gum, they ARE identical!!!
BIG SCORE!!!
Well done. Happy dancing into the next century?!
I've been scouring the internet for THE dining set - found the one I absolutely love at West Elm - just out of curiosity I decided to type in "west elm" into CL and low and behold what popped up but THE dining table and bench for half what it would cost for me to buy new - best thing is they are only two months old - the girl that bought them has to go to California - one person's demise is another persons lucky day - or something like that.
I am obsessed with blue velvet. FANTASTIC find, I am so jealous!
Such an amazing find, lucky you! Totally timeless keeper!
Kate
I got one like that at yard sale for $5. It was beige though and in corduroy, but still tufted. I just stained the feet and sold it on Craigslist for $80.
I've found nothing but ugly on CL in my city. Too many college students, I guess. Lots of composit wood dorm furniture. However, I've seen so many posts and house tours on AT with fantastic CL finds. I've started looking at the ugly I see on CL and thinking, "what can I do with it to make it better? Can I turn this into a DIY project?"
But there's no room in my itty bitty apartment. I've reached my furniture limit! Maybe next apartment...
amazing. bravo.
Wow, that chair is amazing. Looks a lot like a beautiful blue velvet tufted chair they have at Jayson for $1200.
My mom has two large wingbacks from her front room that she always wanting to post on Craigslist. The quality and condition is great, but upholstery is strangely textured peach color.
Holding out for a cute bistro size table for my tiny dining room. *Crosses fingers*
Great find! Love them!
I scored a fab, wooden-framed stripey sofa on Craigslist, and it is the envy of all who visit. My roomie covets it. It's in great condition, barely used, and wonderfully comfy. Fits the extra-long BF, too! Even better, it was apparently listed for nearly a year and had just been reduced in price when it caught my eye.
I've also acquired bookshelves (from $0 to $40!), sold lampshades and a rocking chair, and found roommates via Craigslist. It is indispensible in D.C.
i'm on craigslist just about everyday. i have specific search words that i input first, and if i don't see anything then i will just troll through the furniture, antiques and household sections.
everyday i will search for vintage, retro, mid-century (both with and without the hyphen!), calphalon & cuisinart (trying to put together a matching set of things since we didnt get everything we needed from our wedding) and rug/rugs. also, since there's not an IKEA closer than 4 hours away, I'll normally search for Ikea, West Elm and Crate & Barrel for any matches. It's a great way to see what's out there in my area and hopefully get the pieces i'm looking for.